When a young lady respects herself, she earns respect from others. She is admired and held in high esteem.
Sure there are the jealous bunch that will try to tarnish her reputation, and violate her, but the civilized respectable person looks at her with admiration.
Such a girl, will be chaste, and keep herself that way, while looking for Mr. Right - a respectable, and respected guy.
And this is where I fundamentally disagree. First, it isn't only about women. It is also about men. Second, it isn't about having sex partners. it is about having partners that you care about and respect.
A young man who respects himself, can't not admire such a girl, and he will respect her. Why? Because she is a queen in his eye - highly esteemed, and he is awed at her inner beauty.
Sorry, but I disagree here also. I do not value lack of experience. I value someone who knows her own standards, can make decisions for herself, and has explored what she likes and does not.
Both these individuals would be mindful of the feelings of one another, and not do anything that might ruin their dignity, and respect for self.
If that is broken at any time, respect has lost its value. So chastity is vital for respect to flourish.
And I don't see chastity as you have defined it to be dignified. In fact, I see it as an actual negative in a partner. It shows someone who has chosen not to participate in the joys life offers us and instead adhere to an arbitrary code that harms more people than it helps.
A marriage between these two will be a marriage where there is deep respect. It is not easily broken,
However, it is easier to break a cord of two strands , than three, so having another kind of respect is even better. (Ecclesiastes 4:11, 12)
And there can be respect while still having other partners. Your scenario is only one of many possibilities where people respect each other. The point is that I don't see sex as being against dignity. In fact, i see it as supporting such.
A married couple who has a mutual moral rule of conduct that guides their every thought, word, and deed, will be forever guided to maintain respect throughout their marriage life.
Yes, and that code should be to be honest and understanding, to abide by agreements and value the other person. Nothing in that requires monogamy or chastity.
This is where God's moral law comes in. Because there is an obligation on both individuals, to respect God, and his standards, they have a mutual commitment - First to God (1), and to each other (2) = 3. The cord is stronger.
As an atheist, I disagree with this.
A person may argue that they can have their own morality apart from God, but the problem with that is, it may not be mutual, and even if it is agreed upon, it is not anchored to anything, and can easily be changed, removed, broken, and discarded.
It is anchored in the relationship and can change when both people want it to. And that is as it should be.
So I would say, we need God's moral standards to strengthen the bond of respect between two persons. The potential for breakage is greatly reduced.
IMO.
If it works for you, then go for it. It doesn't work for me.
